(Oct. 19, 2010)--Another milestone was reached in the ongoing renovation of the John Peace Library on the UTSA Main Campus with the opening of new spaces for the Writing Center and two units of the Tomas Rivera Center (TRC) -- Supplemental Instruction and Tutoring services. The integration into one unit of the three key academic support programs creates a one-stop student learning center.

The newly renovated wing on the south side of JPL's second floor includes a mix of study rooms, collaborative study spaces, computing resources and staff office space. The move to JPL triples the space for the TRC Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction (SI) programs, accommodating more students for tutoring and group study sessions.

"Students will have a much easier time finding the tutoring program and attending regularly scheduled SI study groups," said Leticia Duncan-Brosnan, TRC executive director. "The new library location will also provide students with convenient access to the academic resources available at the library. It is a great model to have three large academic support programs such as these in one centralized location."

Marguerite Newcomb, associate director of the Judith G. Gardner Center for Writing Excellence, said the new space will greatly enhance service to students.

"We've grown tremendously in the past few years, and anyone who has visited our last locations knows how crowded they could be," said Newcomb. "The new spaces in the JPL for both our tutor room and our computer lab are beautiful as well as spacious. We believe this move is a continuation of the dream of the Writing Center's founder and namesake, Judith G. Gardner."

Integrating student academic support services into a university's library is an increasingly common phenomenon nationwide, according to Krisellen Maloney, UTSA dean of libraries. "It just makes sense for students," she said. "We are trying to find new and creative ways to ensure students graduate from UTSA. I believe one of the keys to engagement is to make all our academic support services as accessible and inviting as we can. With these additional programs now integrated into JPL, students can get the help they need without traveling all over campus."

Library resources once found in the new Writing Center/SI/Tutoring space have been relocated to other areas of the library. A new room dedicated to periodicals, microforms and newspapers has opened on JPL fourth floor.

Two additional components of the JPL renovation project are due to be complete later this semester. An expansion of the Information Commons -- with the addition of 75 computer terminals -- is scheduled to open in late October, and a new 80-seat quiet study room will open in mid-November.

Did You Know?

UTSA researcher is a star behind the cloud

A revolution in cloud computing is underway, and Ravi Sandhu believes it will be much bigger than the PC and Internet revolutions that have already changed the way we live. Sandhu, director of the UTSA Institute for Cyber Security, says UTSA is taking a leadership role in tackling three fundamental cloud technology problems: how to build and operate the cloud, how to use it profitably for diverse applications and how to keep it secure.

Sandhu, the Lutcher Brown Distinguished Chair in Cyber Security in the College of Sciences, and Ram Krishnan, assistant professor of electrical engineering in the UTSA College of Engineering, are funded by a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to improve cloud security.

Did you know? Sandhu, a world-renowned cybersecurity expert, holds 30 patents, has authored more than 250 papers and been cited more than 30,000 times.

This documentary, presented by the San Antonio Film Festival, documents the experience of re-entry after incarceration. The film features Michael Gilbert, associate professor in the department of criminal justice and director of the Office of Community and Restorative Justice program at UTSA.
Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle

Discover resources and strategies for teaching Tejano history and culture and get a special educator's tour of the new long-term exhibit, Los Tejanos.
Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd.

This annual symposium is an opportunity to discuss Texas higher education issues and trends with Texas higher education scholars, state and local government officials, students, and campus and local community members.
Downtown Campus

Join President Ricardo Romo, The Spirit of San Antonio Marching Band, students, faculty and staff to light the monument at the Main Campus entrance at the stroke of midnight.
John Peace Boulevard Entrance, Main Campus

The UTSA Alumni Association hosts this annual gala honoring the Alumna of the Year, Alumnus of the Year and the Alumnus of the Year Lifetime Achievement award winners.
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa, 9800 Hyatt Resort Dr.

Meet a Roadrunner

After graduation, Queretaro native founded a music label recognized by SXSW

UTSA's Mission

The University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.

UTSA's Vision

To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.

UTSA's Core Values

We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.